Realistically employ an unusual event to create curiosity, which over time can build into suspense. Maybe the overnight appearance of a wrecked car across the street or the presence of a strange object left in someone's room without any logical explanation will get the reader engrossed. Such items should be introduced in a manner that is discreet, yet still each object should raise the curiosity of at least one character as the story progresses. If handled right, suspense will start to build from the moment the item is discovered.
A character that does not always tell the truth or an unreliable narrator can help create an air of mystery and intrigue. A common response from the reader is to ask why is the character not telling the truth and what is he trying to hide. These are definitely elements that can capture the reader's attention.
Having a character face a deadline or an ultimatum is another time-tested method to hook the reader. One prime example is the story of Cinderella, where the midnight deadline helps create an inviting storyline. Moviemakers do it all the time with great success, but that does not mean this method is easy, for overkill is a real concern here. The ultimatum or deadline must be realistic and tension should increase as the story moves forward to the moment of truth.
Whenever a story sets off in a new and unexpected direction, there is bound to be more interest on the part of the reader. A classic example from the world of fairy tales is the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Who would expect that a seed, even a magic one, would grow so tall overnight and lead to such a fascinating and scary world. Find your own magic seeds in your story and reward the reader with a new and strange world.
Pacing of a story is a reliable manner to increase suspense. A steady buildup of tension along with an increased sense of events unfolding can guide the reader towards the climax and ending of the story. In general, the use of dialogue tends to increase the pace of the story. So begin the tale with a large amount of descriptive wording and gradually work towards text that is heavy laden with dialogue. When done correctly, this technique can captivate your reader in expectation of the final outcome.